Translation: the storm continues to be very powerful and may be strengthning. Eyewall replacement cycles are normal in major hurricanes. The can mean temporary weakening, but so long as the water is warm and wind shear is light, storms normally recover full strength after an EWRC. Florence is just in a very favorable environment right now. The only good news is that the lower NC coast is relatively — relatively — less populated. I realize this is no comfort at all to the many thousands of tarheels who do live there. As a life-long resident of New Orleans, I know just how you feel.